The RISE (Relate, Innovate, Stimulate and Elevate) Demonstration Center is a Washington, D.C.- based event venue located in the city’s Ward 8. The center was intended to create a space for technology demonstrations, meetings, and community education and skill improvements. ^{1 2 3}

Founding and History

The RISE Demonstration Center was announced in 2014 by the Washington, D.C. local government intending to renovate the space for $8.3 million. The purpose of the venue was to serve as a community center to increase investment in D.C.’s Ward 8 through hosting lectures, conferences, computer training for residents, and programs for small business development in the area. ^{4 5}

The space is operated by Events DC, the District government-owned corporation that runs the city’s event properties including the RFK Stadium, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and Nationals Park. ^{6 7}

Financials

The RISE Demonstration Center was renovated with $8.3 million in government funds and its operation is funded by the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, while the space is administered by Events DC. ^{8 9}

1. “R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center at St Elizabeths East Project.” DGS.DC.gov. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://dgs.dc.gov/page/dgs-rise-demonstration-center-st-elizabeths-east-project.
2. “RISE.” Events DC. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://eventsdc.com/venue/rise-demonstration-center.
3. “Events: RISE Demonstration Center.” Events DC. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://eventsdc.com/events.
4. “R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center at St Elizabeths East Project.” DGS.DC.gov. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://dgs.dc.gov/page/dgs-rise-demonstration-center-st-elizabeths-east-project.
5. “RISE.” Events DC. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://eventsdc.com/venue/rise-demonstration-center.
6. “FY2022 Events DC Financial Statements.” Events DC. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://eventsdc.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/FY2022%20Events%20DC%20Financial%20Statements%2020231115.pdf.
7. “RISE.” Events DC. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://eventsdc.com/venue/rise-demonstration-center.
8. “R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center at St Elizabeths East Project.” DGS.DC.gov. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://dgs.dc.gov/page/dgs-rise-demonstration-center-st-elizabeths-east-project.
9. “FY2022 Events DC Financial Statements.” Events DC. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://eventsdc.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/FY2022%20Events%20DC%20Financial%20Statements%2020231115.pdf